Case Studies Flashcards
1
Q
Big Brother;
A
Market Liberalism;
- the show is a serious competition with many tasks to be completed, and so could be said to reinforce and reflect several tenets of market liberalism
- democracy, the show gives the power to the majority, those watching at home. Though the nomination process is internal, those nominated are at the hands of the public. “Who goes? YOU decide!”
- freedom of expression, housemates may act up and play to the cameras in order to get votes. Could be said to reflect meritocracy, contestants act a certain way and rewarded by the public, who will be sure not to evict them. As they know they will be rewarded, housemates are encouraged to play the game.
- compromising your freedom of true expression, being ‘fake’, is something viewers react extremely negative towards. Freedom of expression is largely encourage by producers who frequently provide housemates with alcohol with the hope they will go to the Diary Room and say something outrageous to camera
- element of choice, the show regularly presents housemates with choices (in relation to tasks or temptations set by Big Brother). However; choices made are heavily regulated. There are also rules to follow so that things run smoothly, and housemates are occasionally locked into certain areas of the house.
- competition, the show often pits housemates against each other and divides the house with the hope of causing friction and drama
2
Q
Doc Martens;
A
- sliding signifier
- connotes punky sub-culture
- could be used as object of desire to encode messages about identity
- could make us look like our ideal self, increase our self esteem, have a positive effect on our self concept
- once oppositional, now enter eyes mainstream
- psuedo-individualisation
- Carol Craig, social scientist, claims we are being taught to be narcissistic and more aware of how people see us
- results in pseudo-individualisation wherein we mistakenly believe the object of desire makes us appear different and individual
3
Q
Reality TV;
A
- style over substance
- playful
- “TV reality is the reality”
- redundant, easily digestible, lack of entropic footage
- perpetuate the romance myth (same with Disney films and celebrity culture, ‘fairytale’ weddings)
- symbolic annihilation of LGBT+ community
- Althusser says we are consensual to the ISA’s, we are not active in change
4
Q
Blurred Lines;
A
- evidence of sexualisation, objectifying, fetishising and voyeurism
- the 3 men (dressed in suits) ogle and touch the women (who are dressed in short PVC uniforms)
- product placement (Remy Martin alcohol and Beats pill) as well as the women themselves, commodified
- could argue its freedom of choice to act as they wish (empowering)
- element of ‘girl power’, girls outnumber guys
